Sources claim that a central security force position was the target of gunfire from a group of suspected Kuki militants coming from a hillside in Naranseina village towards the valley area.
New Delhi: Early today in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, there was a suspected insurgent attack that resulted in the deaths of two CRPF personnel and the injuries of another two. Sources claim that a central security force position was the target of gunfire from a group of alleged Kuki militants coming from a hillside in Naranseina village towards the valley area.
The situation intensified when a bomb exploded inside the outpost, causing serious injuries to four personnel. Despite receiving quick medical help, two security personnel passed away, while two others are currently receiving treatment.
According to top police sources, the attack occurred six days before the first anniversary of the Manipur crisis. They believe that militants hiding in the hills may escalate attacks in the coming days.
The two deceased individuals belonged to the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) 128 Battalion, stationed at Naranseina. They were identified as CRPF sub-inspector N Sarkar and head constable Arup Saini. The injured are Inspector Jadav Das and Constable Aftab Das. The attackers initiated their assault around midnight and continued until approximately 2:15 am.
The attack occurred at an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp where CRPF personnel were stationed following their duty during the state’s elections.
The camp is situated 2 kilometers away from the hills. Approximately a kilometer from the camp is an area called Upper Canal, where central security forces were previously stationed. This area was designated as sensitive after violence erupted in Manipur in May last year.
Sources claim that insurgents in the hills attacked the camp using a crude artillery weapon known as a “pumpi gun.”
“The militants fired indiscriminately from hilltops, targeting the camp. It started around 12:30 am and continued till about 2:15 am. The militants also hurled bombs, one of which exploded in the outpost of CRPF’s 128 battalion,” stated a senior police officer, as quoted by the news agency PTI.
Police have stated that a large-scale combing operation is currently underway in the area to locate and apprehend the attackers.
In August and September of 2023, there were heavy gunfights in and around Naranseina between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo armed gangs. Both sides identify as “village defense volunteers,” which has become the most contentious description of the fighters in Manipur because it allows these “volunteers” to kill civilians with the justification that they are acting “in self-defense.”
The valley is mainly populated by the Meitei community, whereas the hills are inhabited by the Kuki people.
